How to put on and take off your face mask (PDF 1MB)
Single use surgical face masks – discard after use
Surgical masks are single use items and must be disposed after every use.
These are recommended for use if you:
- are caring for someone with COVID-19,
- have COVID-19 or are suspected of having COVID-9 or
- are over 60 or
- have underlying medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, chronic lung disease, cancer etc.
If you have, or are suspected to have, COVID-19, you must wear a surgical mask if you cannot avoid being in close contact with someone, e.g. if you are self-isolating and need to visit a GP or hospital.
NB: N95 and P2 respirators are only recommended for healthcare workers or specific industries in specific circumstances.
Reusable fabric masks – wash after every use
Reusable fabric masks – buying and making guide (PDF 2MB)
Fabric masks should not be worn by healthcare workers or by people over 60 or with underlying medical conditions.
Fabric masks are used for source control. That is, they act as a barrier between your mouth and nose and the surrounding environment to protect those around you.
Fabric masks must be 3 layers. Each layer requires a different type of fabric.
These should be washed after every use, or when wet or visibly dirty. Wash with laundry detergent on the hottest setting (preferably at least 60 degrees C). Avoid using disinfectants to clean the mask because they may produce fumes that are harmful to inhale.
If you are unable to machine wash, wash in hot water with a laundry detergent then rinse thoroughly..
Make sure your fabric mask is dry before re-using.
Once dry, store your clean fabric masks in a disposable, sealable plastic bag to protect from contamination.
Over time, your fabric masks will need to be replaced. Replace your fabric mask if:
- it no longer fits snugly
- it starts to slide or fall off
- there are any holes
- you find you need to keep adjusting the fit
- the material has started to wear or fray.